RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Modular Router, was Re: Wood Duck

Hi B,

You've made some good points.

I must add my name to the list of those desiring to separate the mechanical
aspects of a router from the motors and Driver/PS.

My main reason is basically one of cost and reusability. Sure, I wouldn't
mind going out and just BUYING an entire kit, but I may not want to spend
that much on one item. I may already have a set of stepper motors "handed
down" from a previous CNC retrofit that I want to recycle, or an Ebay find.
I probably have a driver/PS that I can initially borrow to get a new router
(or any other CNC project) going. Having this modularity available to me is
quite valuable! If nothing else, it breaks up the purchase into manageable
blocks, and thus makes the goal achievable (and justifiable to one's mate)!


I ENJOY the various aspects and disciplines of building a CNC project. This
time around, I will have designed and machined the router mechanical parts
(except the precision motion parts), built up the stepper modules, power
supply and its enclosure, reworked the PIC code on the stepper modules, and
written the CNC controller software. While I could have just bought a kit
(that would be fun too) I think I've learned a little more, and I'll enjoy
the product for a long time. Not to mention the all-important bragging
rights at the monthly South Bay Metal Club!

> Aaron,
>
> Thank you for the reply.
>
> It's interesting that more than a few replies have mentioned the
> desire to leave motors and control out of the kit. I'll have to pay
> attention to that; since it keeps coming up in replies. Perhaps
> there's a way to pre-qualify a builder?!?

Dan of Cantronics pre-qualifies purchasers of his driver/PS kits.

> But it's not likely in the near future that we'd offer a kit withOUT
> the motors and control box.
>
> Because leaving them off is the surest way to increase our support
> costs drastically, IME. We no longer have a system engineered to
> work to a reliable set of specs.

You could specify the oz-in of the steppers needed, and the PS current and
voltage needed. Sell the steppers and driver/PS as another package. This
way, if the "on-hand" gear isn't up to it, the user can upgrade to your
package.

<snip>

> The closest parallel to DIY-CNC I can see is the kitbuilt aircraft
> industry.

I don't see it. This is a power tool! Not an aircraft. More like building
a 3D table saw that you can program. No stinkin' FAA!

> Because a person who bought your kit, even after he or she has
> modified it beyond comprehension, will still refer to it as "your"
> product. <snip>

Nah, if I build it, it's MINE!

> <snip>
> Comments invited,
>
> Ballendo
>